His
dream of playing for the Crimson Tide was taken away with his 2012 dismissal.
His presence at the scene of two assaults led him to East Mississippi Community
College, but he was allowed back to the Tide.

"I
was just ready. I always wanted to be here," Pettway said Wednesday. "It was my
first love, University of Alabama, since high school. I loved it when I was
here and I'm glad I'm able to get back."

The
path back to Tuscaloosa started with communication between the EMCC staff and
Alabama. Pettway doesn't remember talking to Alabama coaches until November.

Sitting
down with Saban was important.

"We
just pretty much talked about staying on the right track," Pettway said. "I
guess he knew I had been through a lot or whatever and just wanted to make sure
I was ready this time or I was focused enough to come back."

Through
it all, Pettway said the lessons of the past year were numerous.

"I
learned how to be more courageous, "Pettway said. "If I see anything or if I'm around anything
bad happening around me, I'm willing to stop it or step forward. I'm willing to
be the man that makes a change. I'm willing to help anyone around here — any of
my teammates. I learned just to be more positive, be more grateful."

Pettway
was one of four Alabama players involved in the assaults and robberies last
February, but the only to return to Alabama. The university released a
statement in December saying he could re-enroll after being suspended for his
involvement in the crime. The courts granted him youthful offender status and
the details of the case were sealed.

On
the field, Pettway could give the Alabama defensive line a boost. A pass-rush
specialist, Pettway had 11.5 sacks at EMCC among his 18.5 tackles for loss.

"I
don't really have any expectations," Pettway said. "I just want to do my best.
I just want to work as hard as I can, get in the playbook and make sure I know
everything and let everything fall into place."